Owners have filed 278 complaints
about the 2009 Chevrolet Aveo with NHTSA between 2009 and 2024.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 3 of 8 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 58
Against the median year of the Chevrolet Aveo. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 87
16.9% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 70
41% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
31.3%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
2812.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
3916.7%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
5322.6%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
4920.9%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
3314.1%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
2912.4%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA
rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that
ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do
not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.
Frontal crash test
Side barrier crash test
Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash
tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2009 Chevrolet Aveo 4-DR. w/SAB
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2009 Chevrolet Aveo 5-DR. Hatchback w/SAB
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When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jul 2009peak 20Jan 2024
Recalls on the 2009 Chevrolet Aveo
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
14V460000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FLUID
General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Chevrolet Aveo and 2009 Pontiac G3 vehicles. The vehicles may contain brake fluid which does not protect against corrosion of the valves inside the anti-lock brake system (ABS) module, affecting the closing motion of the valves.
Risk: If the ABS valve corrodes it may result in longer brake pedal travel or reduced performance, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2014317123 units in Canada
Brakes
Certain vehicles may contain brake fluid that does not inhibit corrosion, which could cause corrosion to form in the anti-lock brake (ABS) module. This could result in longer brake pedal travel and/or reduced brake performance, vehicle instability and a rear wheel lock condition, which may increase the risk of a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will inspect the ABS module and, if necessary, replace the module. Dealers are to also change the brake fluid and provide a supplement to the Owner Manual that instructs customers to use only GM recommended brake fluid.
Recall 20090347,044 units in Canada
Steering
On certain vehicles, the hardware that secures the intermediate steering shaft to the steering gear may have been incorrectly assembled and could loosen. Should the intermediate steering shaft detach from the steering gear a loss of steering control would occur. This could result in a vehicle crash causing property damage, personal injury or death. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, correct the assembly.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 120,000 milesShreveport, LACrashFire1 injured
AIR BAGS
OUR SON HAD A CAR ACCIDENT ON HIGH I -49 N, THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE BRAKES WOULD NOT BREAK. HE SUBSTAINED HEAD ,NECK TRAUMA , BACK AND LEG IN THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #11281877 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesShreveport, LACrashFire1 injured
WHEELS
OUR SON HAD A CAR ACCIDENT ON HIGH I -49 N, THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE BRAKES WOULD NOT BREAK. HE SUBSTAINED HEAD ,NECK TRAUMA , BACK AND LEG IN THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #11281877 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glendale, AZCrashFire
AIR BAGS
I HAD A ACCIDENT THE CAR COUGHT ON FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #11269797 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glendale, AZCrashFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I HAD A ACCIDENT THE CAR COUGHT ON FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #11269797 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glendale, AZCrashFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I HAD A ACCIDENT THE CAR COUGHT ON FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #11269797 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 48,500 milesArlington, MAFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE TRAVELLING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, US ROUTE 93 AT EXIT 33, SOUTH IN MASSACHUSETTS, AND BURNT AND THE GAS TANK EXPLODED. THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT PRECEDING THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE IS A TOTAL LOSS.
NHTSA complaint #11082677 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 90,000 milesPhoenix, AZ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Aveo. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle shut off independently. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the dealer. The dealer informed the contact that they could not diagnose the vehicle because the vehicle failed to start. The dealer informed the contact that an unknown wiring harness might need to be installed to restart the vehicle; however, the part had been discontinued. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to GM Campaign Number: N110290. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
NHTSA complaint #11567280 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 90,000 milesPhoenix, AZ
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2009 Chevrolet Aveo. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle shut off independently. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the dealer. The dealer informed the contact that they could not diagnose the vehicle because the vehicle failed to start. The dealer informed the contact that an unknown wiring harness might need to be installed to restart the vehicle; however, the part had been discontinued. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to GM Campaign Number: N110290. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
NHTSA complaint #11567280 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 8,900 milesSaugerties, NY
ENGINE
MY 2009 CHEVY AVEO HAS BEEN NOTHING BUT TROUBLE! THE PROBLEM STARTED WITH 89,000 MILES. IN IDLE, AFTER ABOUT 2 MINUTES, THE CAR WOULD SHAKE VIOLENTLY. I BEGAN TO DRIVE NORMALLY WITH NO PROBLEM THEN THE CAR SURGES, LOOSES POWER, THEN STALLED IN TRAFFIC. AFTER ABOUT 3 MINUTES OF SITTING, THE CAR SUDDENLY STARTED THEN AFTER ABOUT 4 BLOCKS, LOST POWER AGAIN. THE CAR KEPT DYING & RESTARTING. FINALLY GOT HOME. TURNED THE CAR BACK ON , THE IDLE WAS GOING UP & DOWN, SHAKING VIOLENTLY WHILE IDLING IN PARK. THE THROTTLE BODY WAS CHANGED, O2 SENSOR CHANGED, MASS AIR SENSOR CHANGED. AIR FILTER CLEAN. THIS CAR IS TERRIBLE. I WILL NEVER TRUST & BUY A CHEVY AGAIN!!!!! SHAME ON YOU CHEVY.! GET YOUR QUALITY CONTROL IN CHECK. I WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW TO STAY CLEAR OF CHEVY CARS!!!!!
NHTSA complaint #11302225 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesShreveport, LACrashFire1 injured
AIR BAGS
OUR SON HAD A CAR ACCIDENT ON HIGH I -49 N, THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE BRAKES WOULD NOT BREAK. HE SUBSTAINED HEAD ,NECK TRAUMA , BACK AND LEG IN THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #11281877 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesShreveport, LACrashFire1 injured
WHEELS
OUR SON HAD A CAR ACCIDENT ON HIGH I -49 N, THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE BRAKES WOULD NOT BREAK. HE SUBSTAINED HEAD ,NECK TRAUMA , BACK AND LEG IN THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #11281877 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glendale, AZCrashFire
AIR BAGS
I HAD A ACCIDENT THE CAR COUGHT ON FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #11269797 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glendale, AZCrashFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I HAD A ACCIDENT THE CAR COUGHT ON FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #11269797 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glendale, AZCrashFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I HAD A ACCIDENT THE CAR COUGHT ON FIRE.
NHTSA complaint #11269797 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 58,153 milesFort Wayne, IN
ENGINE
TIMING BELT BAD, NOT EVEN 60K MILES
NHTSA complaint #11258995 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 99,000 milesManson, NC
SUSPENSION
LAST YEAR I BOUGHT THIS CAR IN FEBRUARY AND MARCH IS WHEN THE PROBLEMS STARTED, ON I85 COMING FROM DURHAM THE CAR WOULDN'T LET ME GO NO MORE THAN 20MPH. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THE THROTTLE BODY HAS BEEN GONE BAD REPLACED IT SEVERAL TIME AND I'M STILL HAVING NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH IT AND THE BREAK LINE RUPTURING WHILE COMING FROM RALEIGHI KEEP GOOD MAINTENANCE ON MY CAR TO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY THIS IS HAPPENING AND YESTERDAY THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AGAIN PLEASE PUT THIS CAR ON RECALL. THIS CAR HAS STRESSED ME TO THE MAX AND I CAN'T GO PLACES I WANT ANYMORE!
NHTSA complaint #11207031 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 99,000 milesManson, NC
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
LAST YEAR I BOUGHT THIS CAR IN FEBRUARY AND MARCH IS WHEN THE PROBLEMS STARTED, ON I85 COMING FROM DURHAM THE CAR WOULDN'T LET ME GO NO MORE THAN 20MPH. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THE THROTTLE BODY HAS BEEN GONE BAD REPLACED IT SEVERAL TIME AND I'M STILL HAVING NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH IT AND THE BREAK LINE RUPTURING WHILE COMING FROM RALEIGHI KEEP GOOD MAINTENANCE ON MY CAR TO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY THIS IS HAPPENING AND YESTERDAY THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AGAIN PLEASE PUT THIS CAR ON RECALL. THIS CAR HAS STRESSED ME TO THE MAX AND I CAN'T GO PLACES I WANT ANYMORE!
NHTSA complaint #11207031 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 88,000 milesDavison, MI
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
HELLO. MY AVEO STARTED, AND WHEN I TRIED TO SHUT IT OFF, IT WOULD CONTINUE TO RUN. THIS PROBLEM PERSISTED UNTIL I PULLED A FUSE FROM THE ENGINE. I RETURNED THE FUSE TO ITS ALLOCATED SPOT, BUT NOW THERE IS ZERO LIFE IN THE AVEO WHEN I ATTEMPT TO START IT. THE LIGHTS COME ON, AND I HAVE TRIED JUMPING THE BATTERY ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THIS IS THE SECOND SUCH OCCURRENCE IN THREE YEARS. LAST TIME I PAID TO HAVE MY VEHICLE TOWED TO A MECHANIC, AND ALL THEY DID WAS JUMP IT. STARTED RIGHT UP, THEY SAID.
NHTSA complaint #11187495 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 88,000 milesDavison, MI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
HELLO. MY AVEO STARTED, AND WHEN I TRIED TO SHUT IT OFF, IT WOULD CONTINUE TO RUN. THIS PROBLEM PERSISTED UNTIL I PULLED A FUSE FROM THE ENGINE. I RETURNED THE FUSE TO ITS ALLOCATED SPOT, BUT NOW THERE IS ZERO LIFE IN THE AVEO WHEN I ATTEMPT TO START IT. THE LIGHTS COME ON, AND I HAVE TRIED JUMPING THE BATTERY ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THIS IS THE SECOND SUCH OCCURRENCE IN THREE YEARS. LAST TIME I PAID TO HAVE MY VEHICLE TOWED TO A MECHANIC, AND ALL THEY DID WAS JUMP IT. STARTED RIGHT UP, THEY SAID.
NHTSA complaint #11187495 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 129,000 milesSayre, PA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET AVEO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED MOST OF THE TIME OR THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED BEFORE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS UNDETERMINED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 129,000. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED. *TT UPDATED 11/19/18
NHTSA complaint #11139608 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesLagrange, KY
WHEELS
MY 2009 AVEO5 2009. MY BRAKES KEEP GOING OUT. BUT I AM HAVING TO REPLACE MY WHEEL BEARINGS 3 TIMES IN LAST 3 YEARS. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY. I AM SCARED BECAUSE THE BACK ONE IS NOW MAKING LOTS OF NOISE SO I KNOW IT'S ANOTHER WHEEL BEARING GRINDING.IS THIS CONSIDERED IN THE RECALL OF 2014 ON AVEO 5 2009.
NHTSA complaint #11101341 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesLagrange, KY
SERVICE BRAKES
MY 2009 AVEO5 2009. MY BRAKES KEEP GOING OUT. BUT I AM HAVING TO REPLACE MY WHEEL BEARINGS 3 TIMES IN LAST 3 YEARS. I DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY. I AM SCARED BECAUSE THE BACK ONE IS NOW MAKING LOTS OF NOISE SO I KNOW IT'S ANOTHER WHEEL BEARING GRINDING.IS THIS CONSIDERED IN THE RECALL OF 2014 ON AVEO 5 2009.
NHTSA complaint #11101341 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 103,000 milesLodi, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
COOLANT TEMPERATURE ENGINE HEATING UP
NHTSA complaint #11097279 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 103,000 milesLodi, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
COOLANT TEMPERATURE ENGINE HEATING UP
NHTSA complaint #11097279 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 103,000 milesLodi, CA
ENGINE
COOLANT TEMPERATURE ENGINE HEATING UP
NHTSA complaint #11097279 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 48,500 milesArlington, MAFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE TRAVELLING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, US ROUTE 93 AT EXIT 33, SOUTH IN MASSACHUSETTS, AND BURNT AND THE GAS TANK EXPLODED. THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT PRECEDING THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE IS A TOTAL LOSS.
NHTSA complaint #11082677 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 48,500 milesArlington, MAFire
ENGINE
THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE TRAVELLING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, US ROUTE 93 AT EXIT 33, SOUTH IN MASSACHUSETTS, AND BURNT AND THE GAS TANK EXPLODED. THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT PRECEDING THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE IS A TOTAL LOSS.
NHTSA complaint #11082677 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 48,500 milesArlington, MAFire
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE WHILE TRAVELLING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, US ROUTE 93 AT EXIT 33, SOUTH IN MASSACHUSETTS, AND BURNT AND THE GAS TANK EXPLODED. THERE WAS NO ACCIDENT PRECEDING THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE IS A TOTAL LOSS.
NHTSA complaint #11082677 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesBowie, MD
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 CHEVROLET AVEO. WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT ABRUPTLY. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED BEFORE OR AFTER THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO OURISMAN CHEVROLET OF BOWIE (16610 GOVERNOR BRIDGE RD, BOWIE, MD) WHERE IT WAS CURRENTLY AWAITING DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
NHTSA complaint #11071879 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesChampaign, IL
AIR BAGS
I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE SUSPENSION RODS, (TIE RODS, STRUTS, AND BRAKES AND NOW THE BALL BEARRINGS IN THE TIRES. I BOUGHT THIS CAR IN 2010 WHICH FROM MY UNDERSTANDING IT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE NEW AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE FROM BAUM CHEVROLET IN CLINTON, ILLINOIS. I HAVE BOUGHT THREE SETS OF TIRES (NEW) WHAT IS UP WITH THIS CAR? DRIVE DAILY. I HAVE REPORTED IT TO GENERAL MOTORS WHO INSIST IT IS NOT ON RECALL. IT SHOULD BE.
NHTSA complaint #11044087 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesChampaign, IL
WHEELS
I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE SUSPENSION RODS, (TIE RODS, STRUTS, AND BRAKES AND NOW THE BALL BEARRINGS IN THE TIRES. I BOUGHT THIS CAR IN 2010 WHICH FROM MY UNDERSTANDING IT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE NEW AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE FROM BAUM CHEVROLET IN CLINTON, ILLINOIS. I HAVE BOUGHT THREE SETS OF TIRES (NEW) WHAT IS UP WITH THIS CAR? DRIVE DAILY. I HAVE REPORTED IT TO GENERAL MOTORS WHO INSIST IT IS NOT ON RECALL. IT SHOULD BE.
NHTSA complaint #11044087 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
